Our three-generation family of ten booked Pooreen House for two weeks in August, 2017. We couldn’t have been more pleased!
The house sits on a slight rise above the surrounding hillside, with an expansive view across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands, the Burren, and the County Clare coast as far south as the cliffs of Moher. The owner met us on arrival to give a tour of the house, demonstrating appliances, electrical and heating systems. Throughout our stay, he was kind and attentive, though unobtrusive.
First impressions: house and furnishings immaculate, and impeccably maintained. Large windows in all rooms provided tremendous natural light, while heavy drapes in bedrooms can be drawn for privacy and darkness. The large kitchen is a joy to work in, flooded with light from north and west windows. The dining room seated us all easily; bath, shower and toilet facilities were ample. The adjacent sitting room with built-ins, TV, comfy recliners and electric fireplace afforded a snug reading or viewing spot. High chair, playpen and a protective gate to the stairs accommodated the children. The upstairs – three open rooms with couches, TV and billiards table illuminated by skylight windows – was a godsend as a play area for the little ones, and a movie and hurling-match theater for their parents. But our favorite space was the five-sided, cathedral-ceilinged solarium with huge windows facing east, south and west. What views, what light, what openness to the constant breeze!
Outside, lawns and plantings were neat and carefully trimmed. Walls, hedges and gates enclosed a large, safe play area for the kids. Gas grille, table and chairs enable open-air cooking and dining. A five minute walk down the quiet, single-track lane took us to the coast road. Across the coast road and five minutes down another lane, we arrived at a gently sloping, secluded sandy beach with tide pools among rock outcroppings. Perfect for the children. The village of Spiddal is a 35-minute walk up the coast road, with sidewalk all the way. Galway city is an easy 12-miles east by car or bus, while Connemara opens to the west and north.
Overall, a wonderful stay. Thank you.
